The main aim of this blog is to interpret the Christian Order in the light of current affairs, philosophy, literature and the arts -- and vice versa. So it's about ideas. Social, political and religious comment. Links, notes on people, places, events, books, movies etc.
And mainly a place where I can post half-baked ideas in the hope that other people, or the passing of time, will help me to bake them.

12 February 2008

Several EU member states are worried that if a Kosovo UDI is recognised by other states it will destabilise the Balkans again, and also set a precedent for minorities in other countries to do something similar.

As the European Union struggles for a unified response to Kosovo's expecteddeclaration of independence, several EU states - mainly those near the Serbprovince - fear the move could destabilise the historically volatile Balkanregion.

Romania, Cyprus andSlovakia were the loudest to state their opposition this week, all vowing not torecognise Kosovo if it declaresindependence.

Greece andBulgaria are also wary of potentially explosive border changes in their areawhile Spain and Slovakia cannot ignore the possible effects on their respectiveBasque and Hungarianminorities.

Spain faces anadditional challenge as its northeastern region of Catalonia has long soughtgreater autonomy.

Cyprus - which holdselections on February 17 - has seen all thisbefore.

The island has beendivided into ethnic Greek and Turkish parts since 1974, and the breakawayTurkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) declared independence in 1983, thoughit is only recognised byTurkey.

And then, of course there is the possibility that a UDI will be followed by a resumption of ethnic cleansing.

Orthodox Christian mission and missiology

New Religious Movements

New Religious Movements are those that have arisen within the last 200 years, and inclde movements within established religions as well as those that have become separate religions. Please note that this is not a forum for polemics for or against any religious groups.